Do home warranties cover central vacuum systems?

What central vacuum system services does a home warranty cover?

Replacing a central vacuum system can cost anywhere from $1,150 to $3,500, so it’s important to have good coverage. Most home warranties cover both cyclonic and filtered central vacuum systems. However, many companies only cover the main components of a central vacuum system, such as the motor.

Here are some things commonly covered by a home warranty for central vacuum systems:

• Motors
• Blower fans
• Control panels
• Dust collectors
• Total system failures
• Inlet valves

Potential exclusions to central vacuum system home warranty coverage

Many home warranties have limitations and exclusions. So, even if your warranty covers central vacuum systems, these exclusions may result in claim denial. Most companies only cover total system breakdowns due to normal wear and tear and exclude things like weather damage. Here are some other reasons your claim may be denied:

• Cosmetic damage
• Damage caused by pets, pests or animals
• Secondary or consequential damage
• Power failure or surges
• Preexisting conditions
• Damage from misuse or abuse
• Generators
• Powered attic ventilators
• Rust or corrosion
• Inaccessible systems
• Acts of god

Coverage caps

Additionally, central vacuum systems have coverage caps. A cap means that the home warranty company will only pay up to a specified amount on parts and repairs, and then you are responsible for the rest.

Central vacuum systems usually have a limit per coverage period. For example, if your cap is $3,000 and your repair cost is $1,500, then you would still have $1,500 to use for future claim costs within your coverage period. If your repair fees were $3,500, you must pay the remaining $500.

What to do if your home warranty doesn’t cover central vacuum systems

Most home warranty companies provide coverage for central vacuum systems, so if you find out yours doesn’t, you may be able to switch to a different package that does. Some companies only cover central vacuum systems as a systems add-on, so you might be able to receive coverage that way.

You could also check your homeowner’s or builder’s insurance policy to see if it covers central vacuum systems. These policies typically include your home's main systems and components, so it may be worth looking into.

Bottom line

Central vacuum systems can help keep the air in your home clean, but finding good coverage for them can be tricky. A home warranty will most likely cover parts and repairs for your system. You can also check your homeowner’s and builder’s insurance policies to see if they provide coverage for central vacuum systems.